The 50th (Shirley's) and 51st (Pepperell's) Regiments of FOOT

The regiments were placed on the Establishment from 24th December 1754 to be raised in America for service there. Both units had uniforms of "a plain Cloathing" i.e. red faced with white buttons and face probably with plain linen linings to the coat showing as white turn-backs. The coat lace is not known.

In 1755, the uniforms arrived in America. The regiments were stationed at Oswego and apart from 2 companies of the 51st at Oneida Carry and some recruiting parties in New England, the whole lot were captured in August 1756 by Montcalm's forces. Although the 1,000 prisoners were exchanged later both regiments were formally disbanded 7th March 1757. The colours were returned when Canada fell in 1760.

However, the 50th's uniforms served on. As their clothing was captured by French privateers, the 47th Foot (Lascelles) purchased the 50th's uniforms in 1758. This is referred to by Ned Botwood - the "poet-grenadier", of the 47th who was killed at the battle of Montmorency, 31st July 1759, in his song "Hot Stuff".

When the forty-seventh regiment is dashing ashore
While bullets arc whistling and cannons do roar,
Says Montcalm, 'those are Shirleys - I know the lapels"
"You lie" says Ned Botwood, "we belong to Lascelles!
Tho' our cloathing is charged, yet we scorn a powder puff;
So at you, ye b----rs, here's give you Hot Stuff."

Note: Lascelle's facings were white.

Source: Company of Military Historians Plate 427. N.B. The commentary on this plate is provided by Rene Chartrand not Pere Chartrand as he appears in #3, Q2, p.34.